

RISK!
RISK!
If you like The Moth, This American Life or Snap Judgment, take a walk on the wilder side with RISK! Your colorful host Kevin Allison (of the legendary comedy group The State) helms this surprisingly uncensored show where people tell jaw-dropping true stories they never thought they'd dare to share in public. RISK! is hilarious, heart-wrenching and remarkably real. Think you've heard it all? Fasten your seatbelt.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 27, 2025 • 40min
Losing It
Frank Traynor, a gifted storyteller with a knack for humor, recounts his memorable 'Achilles Cake' tale, exploring the blend of joy and vulnerability in personal narratives. Jonathan Bradley Welch shares his comedic yet poignant experience with tacos, showcasing the lighter side of life's mishaps. Together, they dive into themes of friendship, personal growth, and the power of storytelling to create connections. Their anecdotes reflect on nostalgia, the quirks of growing up, and finding humor amidst chaos.

May 22, 2025 • 46min
What I'm Made Of
Shen Wei, a celebrated artist whose work graces prestigious institutions, shares a powerful story titled 'But Now I See' about transforming his challenging childhood in a Shanghai slum into artistic inspiration. Ed Gavagan, a captivating storyteller, recounts 'Whatever Doesn't Kill Me', detailing his harrowing experience following a violent incident and the resilience it sparked in him. Together, they explore themes of identity, trauma, and the profound impact of art and storytelling in their journeys of healing and self-discovery.

May 20, 2025 • 58min
Trial Remedies
Alex Plotkin, a storyteller and improviser, shares a heartfelt tale about her cat's battle with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), revealing the emotional struggles of pet ownership amidst medical challenges. Yossi Rosenberg, known as New York's Most Desperate Single Man, discusses his journey into orgasmic meditation, exploring unconventional intimacy practices. Together, they navigate the complexities of love, hope, and the trials of life, highlighting the power of vulnerability in personal storytelling.

May 15, 2025 • 56min
Virgins
Join David Crabb, a talented writer and performer, as he recounts his childhood horror movie obsession and journey to self-acceptance. Mara Wilson, beloved for her childhood acting, shares insights on growing up and navigating family dynamics. Blogger Tommy O’Malley reflects on his awkward experiences with love and relationships. Meanwhile, actor Michael Stahl-David nostalgically reminisces about his middle school crushes. Together, they explore themes of innocence, identity, and the hilariously chaotic journey of growing up.

May 14, 2025 • 26min
The Top Gun of Getting Mugged: RISK! Reacts
Adam Selbst, a clever and funny storyteller, takes listeners on a wild ride through his own experiences of being mugged multiple times. He humorously explores the absurdity of these situations, sharing outrageous self-defense strategies that blend wit with real-life encounters. As he reflects on split-second decisions and personal character, Adam invites us to consider how crises reveal our true selves. The conversation captures both laugh-out-loud moments and the unexpected stakes of storytelling in the face of fear.

May 13, 2025 • 52min
Show People
Join Jason Burke, a Broadway storyteller, as he shares a captivating tale from behind the curtain. Robin Beatty reflects on a cherished childhood memory of a theater trip with her uncle, emphasizing the magic of live performance. Comedian Kelli Dunham dives into a humorous and awkward encounter with a man claiming to be her biological father, sparking laughter and thoughts on identity. Together, they explore the emotional impact of storytelling and the complexities of familial relationships in a delightful and entertaining exchange.

May 8, 2025 • 35min
The Best of Mother’s Day Stories #3
Todd Kelly, a storyteller known for his heartfelt narratives, shares a deeply personal tale about his mother's battle with cancer. He candidly reflects on their complex relationship, illuminating moments of love, loss, and resilience. The discussion navigates the emotional turmoil of hospice care and the moral dilemmas it brings. Todd's journey from conflict to connection with his mother reveals profound insights into grief and healing, making for an inspiring and moving story. This touching tribute is a celebration of motherhood shaped by adversity.

May 6, 2025 • 38min
Love and War
Kerri Doherty and Jim Stevens tell stories about different kinds of love and war.
• See RISK! live in Washington, DC on June 7th, in Philadelphia on June 19th, or in New York City on June 26th. Get tickets at Risk-show.com/live
• Pitch us your story! risk-show.com/submissions
• Support RISK! through Patreon at patreon.com/risk or make a one-time donation: paypal.me/riskshow
• Get the RISK! Book and shop for merch: risk-show.com/shop
• Take our storytelling classes: thestorystudio.org
• Hire Kevin Allison as a coach or get personalized videos: kevinallison.com June 26th. Get tickets at Risk-show.com/live• Get the RISK! Book and shop for merch: risk-show.com/shop
• Take our storytelling classes: thestorystudio.org
• Hire Kevin Allison as a coach or get personalized videos: kevinallison.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 1, 2025 • 2h 15min
The Best of Asian American Lives #6
Join Susan Lieu, a storyteller and author, as she co-hosts an insightful dialogue filled with powerful narratives. Justine Ang Fonte shares an impactful story about navigating childhood with a focus on honest conversations about sex, while Shreenath Rajendran reveals the complexities of identity and resilience through their personal journey. They reflect on themes of parental expectations, cultural healing, and the transformative power of storytelling, making this a compelling celebration of Asian American experiences.

Apr 29, 2025 • 40min
Geezers and the Gosling
Erin Barker and Jeff Simmermon tell stories about living spaces and those that live in ‘em.
• See RISK! live in Washington, DC on June 7th, in Philadelphia on June 19th, or in New York City on June 26th. Get tickets at Risk-show.com/live
• Pitch us your story! risk-show.com/submissions
• Support RISK! through Patreon at patreon.com/risk or make a one-time donation: paypal.me/riskshow
• Get the RISK! Book and shop for merch: risk-show.com/shop
• Take our storytelling classes: thestorystudio.org
• Hire Kevin Allison as a coach or get personalized videos: kevinallison.comh. Get tickets at Risk-show.com/live• Get the RISK! Book and shop for merch: risk-show.com/shop
• Take our storytelling classes: thestorystudio.org
• Hire Kevin Allison as a coach or get personalized videos: kevinallison.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices


